I-League 2018/19: Can new coach Stanley Rosario turn around a sinking Aizawl FC?

Aizawl FC on Wednesday, 9th January announced the signing of Stanley Henry Rozario as their new coach for the remainder of the season, two days after Gift Raikhan stepped down following their defeat to Indian Arrows in Aizawl.

“The People’s Club is delighted that we can grab a hold of an experienced coach like Stanley. We hope that he will be a great impact to the team and turn things around for us. Welcome Coach Stanley and all the best,” Aizawl FC said in a statement.

Karnataka-born Rosario is a 58-year-old Indian coach with an ‘AFC Pro Licence’. He has had a wide experience of coaching in Indian football scenario having been the coach of Services, Indian Army XI and top I-League clubs like Shillong Lajong, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and United Sikkim and to name a few.

He was an assistant to Bob Houghton during the Englishman's tenure in charge of the Indian national team between 2006 to 2008. Bagan under Rosario reached the finals in Federation Cup and Calcutta Football League.

The former Lajong boss guided the club to a historic Federation Cup final in 2009, Rosario has had a sweet experience of working with northeast clubs and especially Mizo footballers. During his tenure in Lajong, he nurtured and moulded a bunch of young footballers and lead them to a road of success.

Aizawl FC have won just two out of their 11 matches in the I-League so far and conceded 18 goals, the second-most in the league.

Many holes need to be filled in a very short time and with the club struggling to regain their glory in the I-League the Reds faithful will have high hopes with the man from Bengaluru. Rosario will have a chance to prove himself when Aizawl FC host Real Kashmir on January 11.

Rosario was the Ozone FC Bengaluru Academy coach last season and also played a vital role in the club reaching the semifinals of the I-League second division. He's known to get the best out of his players.